Insightful responses to questions from nonprofits on various topics, focusing primarily on regional differences in fundraising approaches, performance bonuses for development team members, remote work policies, the significance of the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation, and academic choices for aspiring nonprofit professionals, with Guest host Muhi Khwaja, a trainer with Fundraising Academy and Co-founder of the American Muslim Community Foundation.
Muhi Khwaja begins with a question about considering regional and cultural differences when fundraising outside one’s city center. Drawing from personal experience, he highlighted variations in dress code and meeting styles across different regions, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the local setting while maintaining organizational standards, with advice to fundraisers to ask open-ended questions and seek guidance from local colleagues to navigate cultural nuances effectively.
A question is addressed about performance bonuses for development team members. Muhi discusses his experience at the Red Cross, where bonuses were tied to fundraising goals and regional targets. He also talks about additional incentives such as extra days off or work-from-home privileges, highlighting the importance of clear expectations and communication between employees and management to avoid misunderstandings.
On the topic of remote work policies, Muhi expresses his support for flexibility, advocating for a hybrid model that allows employees to work remotely while also facilitating in-person meetings and team gatherings. He stresses the value of having in place responsive and effective communication tools to maintain productivity in a remote environment.
Muhi describes the significance of the CFRE designation, noting its potential benefits in terms of career advancement and credibility in the nonprofit sector. While donors may not always inquire about the designation, Muhi explains its value in establishing professional credibility and expertise, and potentially giving the holder a “one-up” on their career.
Finally, Muhi provides advice to a college freshman torn between pursuing a nonprofit management program or a business major, suggesting a broader undergraduate degree followed by a specialized master’s program to gain versatility and expertise in both nonprofit and business contexts.